LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a man-made chemical synthesized from a fungus that usually grows on rye. It falls in a category of ‘classical hallucinogens’ – mind-altering substances commonly referred to as psychedelics. The primary effects of LSD include out-of-body experiences and changes in mood, sensory perception, body temperature, and sleep cycles. Microdosing LSD can help treat a variety of conditions.
Following a recent study, Canadian researchers revealed they documented sustained improvements in stress and anxiety for up to one year following two LSD-assisted psychotherapy sessions. The same study also found that treatment with LSD was responsible for positive feelings like trust, empathy, and altruism when used in combination with psychotherapy.
Presently, there is a lot of popular and clinical interest on the topic of personal growth and mental health improvement from LSD. Let’s explore how to benefit from LSD.
Psychological and Emotional Effects of LSD
It is generally agreed that the psychological and emotional effects of LSD can be divided into three broad categories – positive, neutral, and negative. Positive and neutral effects are commonly associated with low to moderate doses of LSD. Negative psychological effects are typically the result of high doses.
Positive effects of LSD
- Deep spiritual and mystical experiences
- Heightened sense of euphoria
- Increased creative and lateral thinking
- Weakened sense of the ego
- Feelings of connection and unity with the universe
- Increased social interactivity
- Lowering of inhibitions
Neutral Feelings:
- Altered state of mind and consciousness
- A rush of different emotions
- Changed perception of time
- Unusual thoughts and ideas
The LSD Benefits for ADHD, OCD, Substance Use Disorder, Sociability and Connectedness, Cluster Headaches & Migraines, and Pain Relief
A book published in 2018 reflects a growing scientific consensus over the positive effects of LSD in treating a range of medical and psychiatric conditions. Here’s what we know so far:
ADHD: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition involving high impulsiveness and the inability to sit still or focus. It usually begins in childhood but can persist into adult life. A 2020 study by researchers in the Netherlands found that three low doses of LSD resulted in improved attention in a majority of the participants.
OCD: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex condition characterized by uncontrollable urges and repetitive behaviors that can severely impact the quality of life in sufferers. A groundbreaking 1962 study provided the first glimpse of the effects of LSD in treating acute OCD. The study followed an 18-month treatment of a 30-year-old male that resulted in his being cured of all symptoms.
Substance use disorder: A years-long study beginning in the mid-1960s by Norwegian researchers found that 59% of participants who had been given LSD decreased their alcohol consumption, compared to 38% of participants who were not. Further, the LSD group was 15% more likely to stay sober six months after the treatment. More recent studies have also found that LSD and other psychedelics are safe and effective when used in addiction treatments.
Sociability and connectedness: Although little is known about the mechanism of action, LSD has been shown to improve empathy and social behavior. Other studies corroborate these findings, with one reporting that LSD enhanced feelings of trust, happiness, closeness to others, and the desire to be with other people.
Cluster headaches and migraines: A 2011 study on LSD reported significant benefits for patients suffering from cluster headaches – an agonizingly painful condition often referred to as ‘suicide headaches’. Patients administered a non-hallucinogenic form of LSD showed a marked reduction in headache attacks per day. Others were free from the symptoms for weeks and months, with some reporting relief more than a year after the treatment.
Pain relief: Clinical studies involving LSD and other psychedelics show compelling evidence of their ability to treat various types of chronic pain, including migraine and cluster headaches, fibromyalgia (a condition of acute pain in bones and muscles, fatigue, and tenderness in affected areas), and phantom limb pain (pain that feels like it’s coming from a body part that has been amputated.
